More Investment For Young Victorians Who Need It Most

The Andrews Labor Government is continuing to invest in at risk Victorian youth and children, by announcing opportunities for two new Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage.

From 16 July 2018, applications will be sought from organisations to develop programs that improve engagement and education outcomes for vulnerable school-age children aged 5 to 14 years and disengaged young Victorians between the ages of 15 to 25.

The Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage initiative is an innovative approach that brings together the public, private and not-for-profit sectors to solve challenging social issues.

Funding for successful programs will allow organisations to tailor their services to achieve the agreed social outcomes. Interested organisations will have until 9 September 2018 to submit their applications.

Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage will build on Victoria’s first social impact investments.

In February this year, the Labor Government partnered with Anglicare Victoria and VincentCare to deliver Australia’s largest ever Social Impact Bond, COMPASS, which at $14.2 million will help young Victorians leaving care transition to independent living.

COMPASS will give care leavers two years’ access to housing and provide them with a dedicated worker to provide individualised support and help them navigate and access other services.

Victoria’s first ever social impact investment, The Journey to Social Inclusion program, was signed in December 2017 in partnership with Sacred Heart Mission and focuses on supporting people experiencing chronic homelessness to achieve a pathway to independence and improve their health and wellbeing.

Partnerships Addressing Disadvantage will complement current government programs and services, and will not replace existing services.

For further information and to apply, visit dtf.vic.gov.au/funds-programs-and-policies.

Quotes attributable to Treasurer Tim Pallas

“We’re helping vulnerable Victorians – offering funding for two new partnerships to support youth and children.”

“We are looking forward to partnering with the social services sector and community groups to give more young people the greatest chance to succeed in life.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Families and Children Jenny Mikakos

“We can achieve great things when governments, business, philanthropists and the not-for-profit sector work together to support vulnerable young people – their futures matter.”